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BALANCING - bidding reopening
When we are going to play with a unknown partner we normally make some
basic agreements about the system but rarely say something about
conventions to reopen the bidding (balancing), that is a danger
omission.
So when we are in 4th position and dealer opens in suit at level one and
two passes are followed, then we realize that no agreements to balancing
was made!
In fact many players suppose that 2/1 in balancing position is the same
system after opponent opening in first position and you bid in second
position maybe because they never read "The Complete Book on BALANCING
in Contract Bridge" by Mike Lawrence published first time in 1981 and
reprinted many times.
Considerations: In the classic Lawrence's book the reopen with a cuebid
is the most strong reopen possible and the reopen with 2nt is 20-21
balanced hand, but in modern competitive bridge's systems the Michaels
Cuebid for weak 2 suits hands, the unusual 2nt for weak 2 suits and the
modern Leaping Michaels with extensions for strong 2 suits are dominant
conventions in these days. Thus, we would change some Lawrence's
recommendation in this proposed convention for balancing.
Furthermore, if opponent stopped the bidding in level 1 or 2, or even in
level 3, this is also a situation where exist possible balance in the 40
high card points between NS and EW, maybe 20-20 or 21-19. Thus, we need
some agreements with partner to reopen the bidding in a way that we know
what we are bidding. The understanding between partners is the more
important thing for partnership's success.
1) REOPENING AT FOURTH SEAT
Opponent opening at level 1 is in suit and after two passes it is our
turn to bid:
Rule#1- To show 2 weak suits in the
reopening we use the Michaels convention and the unusual No Trump
convention, both with Brazilian modifications, and to show 2 strong
suits up to 4 losers we use the Leaping Michaels convention. It is
essential that you and your partner after read
MichaelsBR take a
preference between the traditional Michaels or the Brazilian Michaels?
Michaels Cuebid – with Brazilian modification:
After any suit opening a reopen with cuebid shows 2 weak suits
with 7-10 hcp:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass 2♣
=> weak 2 suit 7-10 hcp 5major-5♦+
♠QJ1092
♥43
♦KQ1062
♣3 or ♠3
♥KJ874
♦AJ9632
♣7
---------------------------------------
1♦
pass pass 2♦ =>
weak 2 suits 7-10 hcp 5major-5♣+
♠AJ873
♥42
♦-
♣K109842 or ♠J3
♥AJ764
♦3
♣QJ1082
---------------------------------------
1♥
pass pass 2♥ =>
traditional Michaels 5♠5m+
7-10 hcp
♠KJ1092
♥-
♦J108762
♣K2 or ♠AQJ43
♥4
♦63
♣Q9873
---------------------------------------
1♠
pass pass 2♠ =>
traditional Michaels 5♥5m+
7-10 hcp
♠3
♥KJ953
♦82
♣AJ982 or ♠J
♥AJ1064
♦QJ10854
♣3
So MichaelsBR after a minor opening shows 5-5+ with the other minor and
a major and Advancer sign-off when bids the other minor or Advancer may
also sign-off bidding 2♥
and if Overcaller correct to 2♠
Advancer may pass or correct to the other minor. In case Advance bids 2♠
this is sign-off if Spaces is the Overcaller major suit, but if
Overcaller suit major is Hearts then this is an invitation for 4♥.
So, with minimum (bad suits) Overcaller bids 3♥
but with good suits bid 4♥.
Unusual No Trump modified
After a major opening followed by two passes the reopen in 2nt shows 2
weak minors and after a minor opening followed by two passes the reopen
with 2nt shows 2 weak majors, in both cases with 7-10 hcp:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass 2nt => weak 2 majors suit (5♠-5♥)+
7-10 hcp
♠QJ1092
♥KJ984
♦62
♣3 or
♠AQ653
♥J87432
♦3
♣7
----------------------------------
1♦ pass
pass 2nt > weak 2 majors suits (5♠-5♥)+
7-10 hcp
♠AJ1073
♥1098742
♦-
♣Q2 or ♠QJ983
♥KQ1064
♦32
♣8
---------------------------------
1♥
pass pass 2nt => weak 2 minors suit (5♣-5♦)+
7-10 hcp
♠QJ1092
♥-
♦J108762
♣K2 or ♠AQJ43
♥4
♦63
♣Q9873
--------------------------------
1♠
pass pass 2nt => weak 2 minors suits (5♣-5♦)+
7-10 hcp
♠3
♥Q3
♦QJ1087
♣AJ982 or
♠J
♥3
♦KJ10854
♣AJ873
Leaping Michaels
After any suit opening the reopen in jump to level 4 shows 2 strong
suits, up to 4 losers, if the bid is a cuebid or if the bid is 4♣
or 4♦.
Of course, 4♥
overcall after 1♠
opening or 4♠
overcall after 1♥
opening is to play.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass 4♣ =>
(5♠-5♥)+
strong 2 majors suits up to 4 losers
♠KQJ103
♥AKJ102
♦872
♣- or ♠AK1092
♥AKQ84
♦J3
♣2
--------------------------------
1♣
pass pass 4♦
=> 5major-5♦+
strong 2 suits up to 4 losers
♠KQJ103
♥42
♦AKJ982
♣- or ♠3
♥AQJ103
♦AKQJ83
♣2
--------------------------------
1♦ pass
pass 4♦ =>
(5♠-5♥)+
strong 2 majors suits up to 4 losers
♠KQJ932
♥AKJ102
♦2
♣3 or
♠AK1092
♥AKQ43
♦-
♣Q102
--------------------------------
1♦ pass
pass 4♣
=> 5major-5♣+
strong 2 suits up to 4 losers
♠AKQJ3
♥42
♦-
♣KQ10982 or ♠J3
♥AKJ104
♦3
♣AQJ108
--------------------------------
1♥
pass pass 4♥ =>
(5♦-5♣)+
strong 2 minors suits up to 4 losers
♠97
♥-
♦AKQJ2
♣AQJ987 or
♠3
♥4
♦AKJ93
♣AKQ973
--------------------------------
1♥
pass pass 4♣
=> 5♠-5♣+
strong 2 suits up to 4 losers
♠KQJ109
♥4
♦J2
♣AKQ95
or ♠AQJ103
♥4
♦3
♣AKQ973
--------------------------------
1♥
pass pass 4♦
=> 5♠-5♦+
strong 2 minors suit up to 4 losers
♠AQ109x
♥4
♦AKQJ2
♣K3
or ♠AKQ93
♥4
♦AKQ973
♣3
--------------------------------
1♠
pass pass 4♠ =>
(5♦-5♣)+
strong 2 minors suit up to 4 losers
♠-
♥95
♦AKJ107
♣AKQJ82
or
♠J
♥4
♦AKQJ8
♣AK10973
--------------------------------
1♠
pass pass 4♣
=>
5♥-5♣+
strong 2 suits up to 4 losers
♠3
♥AKJ95
♦2
♣AKQJ82
or
♠J
♥KQJ104
♦8
♣AK9732
-------------------------------
1♠
pass pass 4♦=>
5♥-5♦+
strong 2 minors suit
♠3
♥AKJ95
♦AKQJ82
♣J
or
♠J
♥AKJ104
♦AKQJ8
♣J3
Rule#2-
A reopen with double should be made with 10+ hcp, but with a good shape
like 4441 - singleton in Opener suit - it is acceptable even with 8 hcp,
Thus, Advancer should be careful to not overbid supposing partner has a
regular double with 12+ hcp.
Examples:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1
♥
Pass Pass ?
a)
♠A743
♥87
♦K643
♣A85
=> double
b)
♠A74
♥84
♦AK54
♣K854
=> double
c)
♠A843
♥53
♦AK643
♣K74
=> double
d)
♠A763
♥854
♦K74
♣A73
=> double
e)
♠QJ83
♥-
♦107643
♣AJ104
=> double
f) ♠K1063
♥8
♦K87
♣Q1073 =>
double
g)
♠KQ93
♥8
♦KQ97
♣AKQJ
=> double
h)
♠K102
♥AKJ
♦KQJ8
♣KJ8
=> double
i)
♠J1073
♥A4
♦AKQ83
♣AK9
=> double
J)
♠QJ10
♥KJ5
♦KJ
♣AKQ82 =>
double
k)
♠AQJ9
♥AJ10
♦QJ83
♣AQ7
=> double
Rule#3- reopen in jump shows good
strength around 15 hcp with 6/7 cards.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass 2♦/2♥/2♠
=>14-16 hcp 6 cards not forcing
1♦
pass pass 2♥/2♠/3♣
=>14-16 hcp 6 cards not forcing
1♥
pass pass 2♠/3♦/3♣
=>14-16 hcp 6 cards not forcing
1♠ pass
pass 3♥/3♦/3♣
=>14-16 hcp 6 cards not forcing
Note1: when the reopen is a jump to a minor this suit must be a good
invitation for 3nt. So, need be solid 6/7 cards with AK at top and good
middle cards like AKJ98xx or AKQ109x, without AK just overcall.
Examples of jump overcall 14-16 hcp in reopening:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass 2♦
=>
♠Ax
♥J104
♦AKQ10962
♣4
1♣
pass pass 2♥
=>
♠K72
♥AJ10954
♦AK2
♣6
1♣
pass pass 2♠
=>
♠J1098542
♥AK
♦KQJ
♣2
1♦
pass pass 2♥
=>
♠J7
♥KJ109543
♦AKQ
♣6
1♦
pass pass 2♠
=>
♠KQ10972
♥K3
♦KQ2
♣K4
1♦
pass pass 3♣
=>
♠Q107
♥K3
♦2
♣AKQ8762
1♥
pass pass 2♠
=>
♠QJ109872
♥4
♦QJ2
♣AKJ
1♥
pass pass 3♣
=>
♠Q82
♥7
♦Ax
♣AKJ107642
1♥
pass pass 3♦
=>
♠KJ4
♥3
♦AKQJ985
♣J4
1♠
pass pass 3♣
=>
♠8
♥KJ7
♦Q3
♣AKJ98762
1♠
pass pass 3♦
=>
♠-
♥K94
♦AKQ98542
♣Q54
1♠
pass pass 3♥
=>
♠4
♥QJ98432
♦AKJ
♣A4
Rule#4- reopen with a double jump can
be:
- if bided at level 4 is
Leaping
Michaels-
2 strong suits 6/5 cards where the minor is always more long or equal
the major - with 4 or less losers;
- if bided in 4♥
or 4♠
it is to play with up to 5 losers;
- reopen in another suit in jump to level 3 is a preemptive bid with 7+
cards;
- cuebid at level 3 ask for stopper in the open suit bidding 3nt
otherwise next suit:
Opener Advancer Responder Overcaller
1♣
pass pass 3♣
<= asking for Clubs stopper
1♦
pass pass 3♦
<= asking for Diamonds stopper
1♥
pass pass 3♥
<= asking for Hearts stopper
1♠
pass pass 3♠
<= asking for Spades stopper
Examples of reopen with double jump
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass 3♣
ask partner to bid 3nt with stopper in Clubs
♠Ax
♥QJ8
♦AKQ97632
♣-
1♣
pass pass 3♦
weak =>
♠3
♥J104
♦AK109762
♣94
1♣
pass pass 3♥
weak =>
♠97
♥AQ109543
♦K102
♣6
1♣
pass pass 3♠
weak =>
♠KJ1098532
♥Q4
♦K4
♣6
1♣
pass pass 4♣
strong (5♠-5♥)+
1♣
pass pass 4♦
strong 5♦+
and (5♠
or 5♥)
1♣
pass pass 4♥
to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
1♣
pass pass 4♠
to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
1♦
pass pass 3♦
ask partner to bid 3nt with stopper in
♦
♠Ax
♥K108
♦-
♣AKJ97632
1♦
pass pass 3♥
weak =>
♠Q7
♥KJ109543
♦Q102
♣6
1♦
pass pass 3♠
weak =>
♠KQJ9872
♥43
♦2
♣K64
1♦
pass pass 4♣
strong 5♣+
and (5♠
or 5♥)+
1♦
pass pass 4♦
strong (5♠-5♥)+
1♦
pass pass 4♥
to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
1♦
pass pass 4♠
to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
1♥
pass pass 3♥
ask partner to bid 3nt with stopper in
♥
♠Ax
♥4
♦KQ
♣AKJ97632
1♥
pass pass 3♠
weak =>
♠AJ109872
♥4
♦QJ2
♣64
1♥
pass pass 4♣
strong 5♣+
and 5♠
1♥
pass pass 4♦
strong 5♦+
and 5♠
1♥
pass pass 4♥
both minors (5♣-5♦)+
1♥
pass pass 4♠
to play 7/8 cards with 5 or less losers
1♠
pass pass 3♠
ask partner to bid 3nt with stopper in
♠
♠-
♥A4
♦QJ9
♣AKQ97632
1♠
pass pass 4♣
strong 5♣+
and 5♥
1♠
pass pass 4♦
strong 5♦+
and 5♥
1♠
pass pass 4♥
to play =>
♠-
♥KQJ64324
♦QJ98
♣4
1♠
pass pass 4♠
strong both minors (5♣-5♦)+
Rule#5- if opponent open in a minor (1♣/1♦)
followed by two passes the reopen in 1nt is weak, just a balanced hand
with 12-14 hcp with a stopper in the Opener’s suit.
- The Stayman and transfer to majors is on;
- Transfer for the other minor is 2♠
and Reopener bids the other minor showing Hxx (he likes) with maximum
and bids 2nt if not like.
- In case the minor opened was Clubs if Reopener bids 3♣
shows not like Diamonds but shows good 5♣
cards, then his partner can pass with 3+ cards.
- The bid in 2nt by Advancer is invitation with 11-12 hcp and some good
middle cards.
Note2: Find a fit is an important objective in the auction, thus with
4-4 or 4-3 in the majors and 12-14 hcp the hand is more for double than
for bid 1nt, but with 4-2 or 3-2 or 3-3 in majors the hand is more for
in 1nt Reopener has stopper in Opener's suit.
Note3: some players reopen in 1nt without a stopper in Opener suit, but
in some occasions they lose 5+ tricks in the Opener's suit, so Qxx or
Jxxx in Opener suit are satisfactory stoppers for reopening in 1nt.
Examples with reopen in 1nt after minor opening:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣ pass pass
1nt => 12-14 hcp balanced
♠QJ3
♥K4
♦KQJ2
♣Q1084
or
♠J972
♥A10
♦AJ10
♣K1094
1♦
pas pass 1nt => 12-14 hcp balanced
♠AJ3
♥K104
♦QJ92
♣Q109
or
♠Q92
♥K10
♦AJ7
♣KJ1084
1♦
pas pass 1nt => 12-14 hcp balanced
♠A3
♥K104
♦KJ9
♣Q1092
or
♠K92
♥K10
♦AJ7
♣K10984
Rule#6- if opponent opens in a major followed by two passes the
reopen in 1nt need more strength and so shows 15-17 hcp in a balanced
hand with at least 1,5 stopper in the Opener's major suit.
All system used is on, so now:
- 2nt is a transfer to 3♦
and Reopener bids 3♣
if don't like and 3♦
if like;
- 2♠
is transfer to 3♣
and Reopener bids 2nt if don't like and 3♣
if like.
Considering that the invitation is also asking for maximum (good 16 hcp
with additional suit of 5 cards or 17 hcp) a good way to protect the
information of reopener suits is just making a transfer in 2♠
for 3♣
because if reopener is maximum, he bids 3♣
and then advancer bids 3nt, but if reopener is minimum then he bids 2nt
and then advancer just pass.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass 1nt => 15-17 hcp balanced
♠QJ3
♥K1094
♦KQJ2
♣A9
or ♠Q97
♥AJ6
♦KQJ10
♣K42
1♠
pass pass 1nt => 15-17 hcp balanced
♠KJ93
♥K102
♦QJ10
♠AQ
or
♠AQ
♥J75
♦A107
♣KQJ104
Rule#7- after any opening in suit
followed by two passes the reopen in 3nt is to play based in a long and
solid minor with a stopper in the opener's suit and 7+ sure tricks in
the hand.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass 3nt => to play
♠A3
♥J4
♦AKQ1082
♣K2
1♦ pass
pass 3nt => to play
♠K3
♥J
♦A9
♣AKJ97532
1♥
pass pass 3nt => to play
♠AK3
♥K4
♦AKQJ82
♣107
1♠
pass pass 3nt => to play
♠A3
♥K4
♦Q2
♣AKQ10942
1) SUMMARY OF REOPEN IN FOURTH POSITION
1.1 Sequences after 1♣
open followed by two passes
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣ pass
pass ?
pass => probable good 4♣+
and short in majors up to 11 hcp
double => promise 4-3 in majors with 10+ points
Note4: not Vul we can also reopen with double having only 8 hcp with
favorable shape like 4441 or 5431 if we are short in Opener's suit, so
partner must avoid pass in Reopener's double hoping find sure tricks.
? <= reopener bids:
1♦ =>
normal overcall 8-14 hcp - indication for lead - 4+ cards
1♥ =>
normal overcall 8-14 hcp - indication for lead - 4+ cards
1♠ =>
normal overcall 8-14 hcp - indication for lead - 4+ cards
1nt => 12-14 hcp tend to deny 4-3 in majors - show stopper in
♣
all system is on but 2♠
is transfer to 3♦
and 2nt is invitation
2♣
=> Brazilian Michaels 5major-5♦+
♠KQJ64
♥4
♦QJ953
♣J2
or
♠3
♥K10984
♦AJ8543
♣2
2♦
=> 6♦+
with 14-16 hcp - invitation 3nt:
♠QJ9
♥K94
♦AKQ982
♣2
2♥
=> 6♥+
with 14-16 hcp - invitation 4♥:
♠K3
♥KQJ984
♦AJ105
♣2
2♠
=> 6♠+
with 14-16 hcp - invitation 4♠:
♠QJ109763
♥AQ4
♦AJ
♣2
2nt => weak 2 majors suits 7-10 hcp
♠KQJ64
♥QJ9832
♦3
♣2
or
♠AJ1053
♥KJ1084
♦43
♣2
3♣
=> special bid - ask to partner bid 3nt with
♣
stopper
♠QJ3
♥AJ9
♦AKQJ853
♣2
/
♠Q105
♥A2
♦AKQJ10872
♣-
3♦/3♥/3♠
=> preemptive bid - 7+ cards - 7-10 hcp with 2 top honors
in a suit like: AQ98432 or AK75432 or KQ98732
3nt => to play - 7♦+
solid suit and stopper in
♣
♠AK3
♥J4
♦AKQ1082
♣K2
/
♠J
♥AJ4
♦AKQJ862
♣A2
4♣
=> (5♥-5♠)+
strong 2 major suits with 4 or less losers
♠KQJ873
♥AKQ104
♦Q2
♣-
/
♠AKQJ5
♥KQJ106
♦J4
♣7
4♦
=> 5major-5♦+
strong 2 suits with up to 4 losers
♠AKQ106
♥4
♦KQJ984
♣5
/
♠J7
♥KQJ106
♦AKJ1092
♣-
4♥/4♠
=> to play - long suit 7/8 cards 5 losers or less
♠KJ4
♥KQJ10764
♦A3
♣2
/
♠AKJ109873
♥K104
♦Q2
♣-
4nt => Blackwood for aces
♠3
♥AKQ
♦AKQJ9862
♣6
/
5♦
=> to play - special hand distributional
♠Q3
♥KQ4
♦KQJ98732
♣-
or
♠3
♥A54
♦AKJ987432
♣-
1.2 Sequences after 1♦
open followed by two passes
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass pass ?
pass => probable good 4♦+
and short in majors < 12 hcp
double => promise 4-3 in majors with 10+ points
1♥
=> normal overcall 8-14 hcp can be only 4 cards
1♠
=> normal overcall 8-14 hcp can be only 4 cards
1nt => 12-14 probable 3-3 in majors promise stopper in
♦
all system is on but 2♠
is transfer to 3♣
and 2nt is invitation
2♣
=> normal overcall 9-14 hcp - indication for lead
2♦
=> Brazilian Michaels 5major-5♣+
♠KQJ64
♥4
♦J2
♣QJ953
or
♠3
♥K10984
♦2
♣AJ8543
2♥
=> 6♥+
with 14-16 hcp - example:
♠J3
♥AQJ10976
♦8
♣AK4
2♠
=> 6♠+
with 14-16 hcp - example:
♠AKQ943
♥K4
♦84
♣QJ2
2nt => weak 2 majors suits 7-10 hcp
3♣
=> solid 6♣+
with 14-16 hcp - example:
♠J32
♥4
♦J2
♣AKJ9832
3♦
=> special bid - ask to partner bid 3nt with stopper in
♦
♠QJ3
♥A9
♦4
♣AKQJ986
/
♠Q105
♥4
♦J2
♣AKQJ10872
3♥/3♠
=> preemptive 7+ cards less than 11 hcp with 2 top honors
like: AQ98432 or AK75432 or KQ98732
3nt => to play - 6♣+
solid minor suit and stopper in Opener’s suit
♠AK3
♥J4
♦K10
♣AKJ10872
/
♠A3
♥J4
♦A2
♣AKQJ432
4♣
=> 5major-5♣+
strong 2 suits with up to 4 losers
♠AKQ106
♥42
♦-
♣KQJ984
/
♠J
♥KQ1098
♦5
♣AKJ1092
4♦
=> (5♠-5♥)+
strong 2 major suits with up to 4 losers
♠AKQ106
♥AQJ1064
♦8
♣3
/
♠AK1097
♥AK1094
♦Q32
♣-
4♥/4♠
=> to play - distributional hand and 5 or less losers
♠6
♥KQJ107654
♦-
♠AKJ10973
♥K10
♦2
♣Q92
4nt => Blackwood for aces
♠3
♥AKQ
♦2
♣AKQJ9862
/
♠3
♥AKQJ954
♦2
♣AKQ10
5♣
=> to play -
♠A93
♥4
♦10
♣AKJ1087632
1.3 Sequences after 1♥
open followed by two passes
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass ?
pass => probable good 4♥+
and short in Spades up to 11 hcp
double => tend to promise 3♠+
and 10+ hcp
1♠ =>
normal overcall 8-14 hcp - indication for lead - 4+ cards
1nt => 15-17 hcp tend to denies 4♠
cards - shows 1,5 stopper in
♥
all partnership conventions for 1nt opening are active
2♣
=> normal overcall 8-14 hcp 5♣+
indication for lead
2♦
=> normal overcall 8-14 hcp 5♦+
indication for lead
2♥
=> Michaels cuebid 5♠5m+
7-10 hcp
♠KQ954
♥4
♦KJ932
♣J9
or
♠AQ1093
♥-
♦Q87
♣K9764
2♠
=> 6♠+
with 14-16 hcp - good invitation to game
2nt => weak 2 minors suits 7 - 10 hcp
3♣
=> 6♣+
with 14-16 hcp – good invitation to game
3♦
=> 6♦+
with 14-16 hcp – good invitation to game
3♥
=> special bid - ask to partner bid 3nt with
♥
stopper
♠QJ3
♥4
♦AKJ9432
♣A3
/
♠A10
♥4
♦K92
♣AKQJ1072
3♠
=> preemptive bid - 7+ cards - 7-10 hcp with 2 top honors
3nt => to play - solid minor suit with stopper in
♥
♠A3
♥K3
♦AKQ10842
♣Q2
/
♠J3
♥A4
♦K3
♣AKQJ862
4♣
=> 5♣+(5♠
or 5♥)
strong 2 majors suits up to 4 losers
♠AKQ106
♣KQJ1083
/
♠J7
♥KQJ1064
♦-
♣AKJ1092
4♦
=> 5♦+(5♠
or 5♥)
strong 2 suits up to 4 losers
♠8
♥4AK1098
♦KQJ984
♣J
/
♠AKJ52
♥7
♦4AK10932
♣3
4♥
=> (5♦-5♣)+
strong 2 minors suits up to 4 losers
♠4
♥- ♦AK10953
♣QJ10942
/
♠4
♥5 ♦KQJ853
♣AK1098
4♠
=> to play - 7/8 cards and good suit
♠KQJ10652
♣2
/
♠AKJ109873
♥4
♦QJ2
♣6
4nt => Blackwood for aces
5♣
=> to play -special hand -long suit 7/8 cards
5♦
=> to play -special hand -long suit 7/8 cards
1.4 Sequences after 1♠
open followed by two passes
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠ pass
pass ?
pass => probable good 4♠+
and short in
♥
up to 11 hcp
double => tend to promise 4♥
and 10+ hcp
1nt => 15-17 hcp tend to deny 4♥
cards - shows 1,5 stopper in
♠
all partnership conventions for 1nt open are active
2♣
=> normal overcall 8-14 hcp 5♣+
indication for lead
2♦
=> normal overcall 8-14 hcp 5♦+
indication for lead
2♥
=> normal overcall 8-14 hcp 5♦+
indication for lead
2♠
=> Michaels cuebid 5♥-5m+
7-10 hcp
♠4
♥KQJ64
♦K9763
♣J3
or
♠-
♥AJ1093
♦Q8
♣QJ8654
2nt => 2 weak minors suits 7-10 hcp
3♣
=> 6♣+
with 14-16 hcp good invitation to game
♠3
♥KJ4
♦Q104
♣AKJ9832
/
♠3
♥KJ4
♦Q104
♣AKJ9832
3♦
=> 6♦+
with 14-16 hcp good invitation to game
♠3
♥Q4
♦AKJ1042
♣KJ98
/
♠3
♥J4
♦AKQJ1042
♣KJ9
3♥
=> 6♥+
with 14-16 hcp - good invitation to game
♠5
♥KQJ1086
♦KJ9
♣A104
or
♠-
♥QJ108643
♦AJ9
♣AQ4
3♠
=> special bid - ask to partner bid 3nt with
♠
stopper
♠3
♥Q4
♦AKJ1042
♣A3
/
♠10
♥K104
♦A4
♣AKQJ1072
3nt => to play - long and solid with and stopper in
♠
♠A3
♥J4
♦AKQ10982
♣A2
/
♠QJ10
♥4
♦A2
♣AKQJ872
4♣
=> 5♥-5♣+
strong 2 suits with up 4 to losers
♠4
♥KQJ64
♦3
♣KQJ1083
/
♠J7
♥KQJ1064
♦-
♣AKJ1092
4♦
=> 5♥-5♦+
strong 2 suits with up to 4 losers
♠4
♥AK1095
♦KQ10987 ♣9
/
♠- ♥KQJ83
♦AK10543
♣52
4♥
=> to play - 7/8 cards and good suit
4nt => Blackwood for aces
5♣
=> to play - special hand - good suit 7/8 cards
5♦
=> to play - special hand - good suit 7/8 cards
1.5 HOW TO SHOW BALANCED 15-17/18-19 HCP AFTER MINOR OPEN
Suppose South opens in a minor suit followed by two passes and East
reopens with a double, if South (Opener) pass and West (Advancer) bids a
major in level one then East's second bid in 1nt means 15-17 hcp and in
2nt means 18-19 hcp, denying 4 cards support to the major bided.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣/1♦
pass pass
double pass 1major pass
1nt => 15-17=>
♠AQ9
♥K109
♦Q1097 ♣KJ9
/
♠A109
♥AJ10
♦Q1087
♣KQx
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣/1♦
pass pass
double pass 1major pass
2nt =>18-19 hcp:
♠AJ9
♥AK10
♦K1097 ♣AJ9
/
♠AK3
♥A1085
♦KQ10
♣KJ9
Note5: when the reopener in fourth position bids double if partner bids
a major that fits 4 cards in our hand you should raise (support) to
level 2 with up to 16 hcp, may raise to level 3 with 17-18 hcp and
should cuebid with 19-20 hcp. In fact, your hand weakness is be under
Opener’s hand, so you need consider the bad position during the
evaluation of your hand because a AQ10 may lose 2 tricks and KJ9 may
lose 3 tricks. So in the evaluation you must look for the good sequences
of cards KQJ as positive and KJx or AQx as negative values. Of course,
if you are a passed hand with
♠KJ9x
♥KJ10x
♦Q10x
♣xx
and opponent opens 1♣
now your honors are well positioned and you may double to compete for a
partial score.
1.6 HOW TO SHOW BALANCED 18-19 HCP AFTER A MAJOR OPEN
Suppose South open 1♥
and after two passes East reopens with a double, if South pass and West
bids 1♠,
East's second bid in 1nt means 18-19 hcp (with less East reopen with 1nt
or pass in 1♠
and East reopens with a double, after West bids a suit at level 2 East's
second bid in 2nt shows 18-19 hcp.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass
double pass 1♠
pass
1nt <= 18-19 hcp balanced hand
♠A93
♥KJ4
♦KJ0
♣AK109
/
♠K98
♥AJ4
♦K104
♣AK9x
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass pass
double pass 2♣/2♦/2♥
pass
2nt => 18-19 hcp balanced hand
♠AQ2
♥QJ4
♦KJ4
♣AJ109
/
♠K1097
♥K94
♦AK
♣KQJ9
Note6: After the reopen with double, in case West bids 1♠
after 1♥
open, East with 18-19 hcp and 4♠
cards support could cuebid 2♥
to show 18-19 hcp, but with a 4333 hand also 1nt bid is good bid to show
strong hand because 1♠
in some cases can be a negative bid with 3♠
cards and then the lead comes to the strong hand.
SUMMARY TO REOPEN WITH BALANCED HAND
12-14 hcp - reopen with 1NT after minor open (denying major)
15-17 hcp - reopen 1NT after major open (denying other major)
18-19 hcp - reopen with double and after bid NT at level
20-21 hcp - reopen with double and after cuebid with support or jump to
2nt or 3nt
TEST YOURSELF
Supposing the auction goes: 1♠
pass pass ?
How do you bid in reopen position with:
a)
♠2
♥AKQ75
♦AQJ1093
♣2
Suggestion: bidding 4♦
shows 5♥-5♦
and promises up to 4 losers, but isn't GF. Advancer decides pass. 4♥
or 5♦.
b)
♠KJ1032
♥9
♦AQ10
♣A952
Suggestion: pass - probably they have fit in
♥
and even if your partner has 9-10 hcp, opponent playing in 1♠
will be a good contract for your partnership. We can't double or bid 1nt
with singleton
♥
so we must pass.
c)
♠K1073
♥Q94
♦A108
♣Q82
Suggestion: pass, considering that reopen in 1nt for major need 15-17
hcp pass is the more prudent bid in this 4333.
d)
♠3
♥AQJ974
♦Q108
♣Q82
Suggestion: 2♥,
considering that a 3♥
shows 14-16 hcp, but if opener rebid 2♠
you with singleton in Opener's suit and no Vul could bid 3♥
that is still a weak hand with 6 cards, so your partner will not double
possible 3♠
or bid 4♥
after your rebid.
e)
♠1073
♥AK4
♦Q1095
♣Q82
Suggestion: if you are non Vul you can double - your partner must have
8+ hcp and playing in level 2 with 7 trumps in
♥
will not be a disaster, but Vul pass is a prudent choice.
f)
♠92
♥94
♦AKQ1032
♣A82
Suggestion: 3♦,
an invitation to 3nt, if partner have stopper in
♠
and 8+ hcp 3nt can be made.
g)
♠KJ7
♥K94
♦AQ10
♣AK82
Suggestion: double then bid 2nt if partner bids 2♥
or 2♣,
but bid jump to 3nt if partner bids 2♦
or 1nt.
h)
♠9
♥9754
♦AJ108
♣J1082
Suggestion: pass quickly, but if you had a K♥
in the place of 9♥
you can reopen with double based in this shape.
i)
♠KJ7
♥K104
♦AJ10
♣A1098
Suggestion: bid 1nt showing 15-17 hcp and let your partner decide.
j)
♠9
♥AKJ1094
♦AK10
♣Q102
Suggestion: double and if partner bids a minor then jump to 3♥
directly could be a underbid; If partner bids 2♥
or 1nt jump to game in 4♥.
k)
♠97
♥94
♦AK1098
♣J982
Suggestion: bid 2♦,
pass will be "chicken"!
l)
♠972
♥942
♦AQ1098
♣Q9
Suggestion: pass, a 2♦
bid with too many losers is danger with no good distributional hand
because partner could compete at level 3 if opponent bids 2♥
or 2♠.
Note7: It is very important that a passed hand with 10-12 hcp be
tolerant with Reopener double and don't overbid jumping to 3nt or pass
in the reopen double supposing good high cards points in Reopener's
hand. The bidding must be cooperative because Reopener can just have a
distributional weak hand around 10 or even less hcp.
2- AFTER A REOPEN IN FOURTH POSITION HOW SHOULD
REOPENER'S PARTNER (ADVANCER) BID TO SHOW HIS STRENGTH:
IF THE REOPEN IS MADE WITH A DOUBLE, THEN:
a) 1nt bid shows 1,5 stopper with no 4 cards major and 10-12 hcp;
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass double
pass 1nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced ♠Q72
♥J104
♦AQ10
♣QJ98
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass pass double
pass 1nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced ♠Q7
♥J104
♦AQ10
♣QJ982
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass double
pass 1nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced
♠Q7
♥K1084
♦QJ108
♣KJ9
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass pass double
pass 1nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced
♠QJ72
♥J4
♦A109
♣QJ92
----------------------------------------------------------------------
b) pass means good 5+ cards (not 976543) in Opener's suit and hand 5332
with 10-12 hcp;
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass double
pass pass <=
♠Q7 ♥J104
♦AQ7
♣QJ982
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass pass double
pass pass <=
♠QJ7
♥94
♦AK1092
♣Q98
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass double
pass pass <=
♠2
♥QJ10842
♦AJ10
♣J102
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass pass double
pass pass <=
♠AQJ82
♥94
♦A10
♣J1098
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
c) 2nt shows 13-14 hcp with 2 stoppers in Opener's suit, so if reopen
has been done with 9-10 hcp and 4441 Reopener should pass;
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass double
pass 2nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced:
♠Q72 ♥K104
♦AQ10
♣QJ98
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass pass double
pass 2nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced:
♠A7 ♥J104
♦AQ10
♣QJ982
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass double
pass 2nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced: ♠K7 ♥K1084
♦QJ108
♣KJ9
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass pass double
pass 2nt <= 10-12 hcp balanced: ♠AJ97 ♥J4
♦A109
♣QJ92
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
d) the bid of next suit shows weak hand and can be done with only 3
cards when partner has low 4+ cards in Opener's suit.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass double
pass 1♦
<= can be 3 cards
♠J87
♥J104
♦K105
♣10842
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass pass double
pass 1♥
<= can be 3 cards
♠Q7 ♥J104
♦98642
♣Q98
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass double
pass 1♠
<= can be 3 cards
♠K72
♥10842
♦1083
♣Q94
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass pass double
pass 2♣
<= can be 3 cards ♠87432 ♥K4
♦Q94
♣952
------------------------------------------------------------------------
e) bidding a suit in jump to level 2 means 5+ cards and 10-12 hcp but in
principle is a suit not recommended for overcall (subtle observation)
with only one top honor or without top honor like K9xxx or Q10xxx or
J10xxx;
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass double
pass 2♦
<= 5♦+
10-12 hcp =>
♠J87
♥A10
♦Q10765
♣QJ2
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass pass double
pass 2♠
<= 5♠+
10-12 hcp =>
♠J76543
♥Q4
♦2
♣AQ98
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass double
pass 2♠
<= 5♠+
10-12 hcp =>
♠108732
♥42
♦AK3
♣K94
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass pass double
pass 3♥
<= 5♥+
10-12 hcp =>
♠AQ2 ♥1087543
♦4
♣A92
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
f) cuebid by a passed hand is an invitation to game (after minor open
shows both majors and after a major open shows 4 cards in the other
major) - in principle without stopper in Opener's suit having 4333 or
4432 with 10-13 hcp - so reopener sign-off the auction bidding his 4
cards suit at level 2 or do a GF bidding at level 3.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass pass double
pass 2♣
<= shows both majors =>
♠AQ87 ♥KJ104
♦5
♣10542
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass pass double
pass 2♦
<= shows both majors =>
♠Q752 ♥K1094
♦92
♣AQ9
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass double
pass 2♥
<= shows 4♠
with 10-13 hcp =>
♠KJ102
♥84
♦K983
♣A94
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass pass double
pass 2♠
<= shows 4♥
with 10-13 hcp => ♠A6
♥KQ104
♦J9842
♣K9
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
g) jump to game is not a recommended bid unless with 16+ hcp.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass pass double
pass 3nt <=
♠AKQ2
♥942
♦974
♣A52
This jump to game is very danger if partner's reopen was weak with
singleton Spades in 4441 and only 8-10 hcp - it is not easy make 9
tricks. So, a reasonable bid is not pass but 2nt allowing partner to
pass.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
h) when reopen is in 1nt (12-14 hcp) after a minor opening
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣/1♦
pass pass 1nt
pass 2nt <=
♠Q102
♥K942
♦A1084
♣Q92
or
♠Q102
♥J42
♦AJ084
♣QJ92
is an invitation with balanced hand having 11-12 hcp and good
intermediate cards.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣/1♦
pass pass 1nt
pass 3nt <=
♠Q1072
♥K9
♦A104
♣K109
or
♠J102
♥K942
♦AJ10
♣QJ10
South with balanced hand having 12+ hcp prefer not do Stayman, that will
also inform opponents of North’s hand, bids 3nt with 4333.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
i) if reopen is in 1nt (15-17 HCP) after a major opening
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠/1♥
pass pass 1nt
pass 2nt <=
♠A102
♥Q94
♦104
♣Q10982
or
♠Q102
♥J1042
♦AJ1084
♣94
South with balanced hand having 8-9 hcp and good 5 cards minor do
invitation bidding 2nt.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠/1♥
pass pass 1nt
pass 3nt <=
♠Q1072
♥K109
♦A8
♣J1093
or
♠J1092
♥K984
♦A10
♣QJ9
South with balanced hand having 10+ hcp prefer contract of 9 tricks
bidding 3nt.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
j) if reopen is made in suit at level 1
Reopener's partner then bids:
- pass, no support and less than 10 hcp, and no long suit;
- without support and stopper, may bid another 6+ cards suit sign-off;
- 1nt with 9-11 hcp showing stopper, denies support -invitation 3nt;
- 2nt with 12-13 hcp showing stoppers, denies support -invitation 3nt;
- support at level 2 means 3 cards and shows 6-9 hcp;
- support in jump need 4 cards and also shows 6-9 hcp;
- cuebid means invitation to game showing support with 3 cards having a
top honor or 4 cards and means 10-13 hcp;
Note8: Considering that Reopen is not a passed hand after a reopen bid
in a major his passed partner having 5+ cards support with good
distribution like 5431 or 5521 or 5440 with 9-10 hcp may bid game at
level 4 because statistics are favorable to make.
3) REOPEN WHEN OPPONENTS STOP THE BIDDING AT
LEVEL 2
LEMMA: To be competitive we should not let opponents play at level 2
when they find a fit, so we must reopen to push then to level 3 even if
we need go first to level 3. Thus after 2 passes the last player to bid
(that is in the reopen position) must make an evaluation if he has
condition to reopen:
- bidding his only 5th card suit or
- double to show the other major and a minor or
- bidding 2nt to show both minors.
Let’s analyze some examples:
a) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass 2♥
pass
pass
- if South double he shows 4♠
and a minor suit (4♠-4♦+)
♠QJ92
♥94
♦A74
♣K1092
or
♠A873
♥942
♦A10974
♣2
----------------------------------
- if South bid 2nt he denies 4♠
cards and shows both minors (4-4 or 5-4) North must bid his best minors
suit;
♠92
♥94
♦AJ74
♣KQ1092
or
♠3
♥9842
♦A1097
♣KQJ9
----------------------------------
- if South reopen bidding a suit this means 5+ cards, but it is also
possible the reopen with a good 4 cards in Spades in a 4333 distribution
no Vul:
♠AKJ9
♥1094
♦Q103
♣J108
or
♠A83 ♥942
♦AJ1097
♣J2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b) EAST SOUTH SOUTH NORTH
1♠
pass 2♠
pass
pass ?
if South double means 4♥
cards and a minor (4♣+/4♦+),
so North bids:
1- with 4♥+
cards => 3♥
and partner pass;
2- with both minors => 2nt for the partner to choose;
3- with only Clubs => 3♣
and partner with 2♣
cards bids 3♦;
4- with only Diamonds => 3♦.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
c) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass 2♣*
pass *2♣
6-9 hcp
pass ?
- double shows any two suits (4-4 or 5-4);
- bid a suit need 5 cards and denies other suit with 4 cards;
- 2nt shows any two suits 5-5
Note9: Careful must be taken because Opener could have only 3 cards
Clubs with both majors.
----------------------------------------
d) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass 2♦*
pass *2♦
6-9 hcp
pass ?
Analogue case (c) and also Diamonds could be 3 cards.
----------------------------------------
e) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣/1♦
pass
3♣/3♦*
pass
pass ? *minors jump support 5-9 hcp
Here we need careful - we should ask opponents the strength of the jump,
because most partnership use inverted minors convention and then this
jump support is weak, but when the opening is made after partner had
passed they could use the jump support as being 10-11 hcp.
Thus the double by South in this situation must promise both majors and
by security we should be singleton in opponent's minor (5431).
---------------------------------------
f) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠/1♥
pass 3♠/3♥*
pass
pass ? * Bergen weak jump support
When opponents play Bergen raises this jump support is made with less
than 6 hcp and in this situation North could have passed with 13 hcp
considering the reopen danger because his partner is passed and could
have only 6 or less hcp, thus South, that is now in the reopen position,
with 10-11 hcp having a 5431 or 4441 distribution WITH SINGLETON IN
OPPONENT SUIT may now reopen the bidding with:
1- Double if have the other major, North should not pass in the double
2- 3nt to show both minors 5/4+.
--------------------------------------
g) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass 1nt pass
pass ?
If the reopen is with Double this means two suits not bided;
If the reopen is in a unbid suit this means 5 cards;
If the auction was 1♣
pass 1♥
pass 1ST ? then double promise 4♠
cards and could have also Clubs suit.
Sometimes we have no strength to reopen, but having a long suit 6+ cards
a reopen could be made just to push opponents to level 3:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass 1♥
pass
1nt pass pass ?
North with
♠Q976542
♥97
♦K108
♣2
=> 2♠ because
partner has 13+ hcp
-----------------------------------
h) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣/1♦
pass 1♠
pass
2♣/2♦
pass pass ?
When Opener rebids his minor suit this shows normally 6+ cards and if
opponents stop the bidding this may be a misfit situation, so to reopen
we must be careful and an important condition to reopen is be shorter in
opponent minor.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass 1♥ pass
2♣
pass pass ?
♠K976
♥A75
♦Q10983
♣2
=> double
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass 1♠
pass
2♦
pass pass ?
♠K97
♥A1085
♦3
♣AJ864
=> double
---------------------------------------------------------
i) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass 1nt pass
2♠
pass pass ?
When Opener rebids this major after response in 1nt and the bidding is
stopped in 2♠
we need be very careful to reopen. We should ask if the 1nt was forcing
because could have 10-11 hcp and be singleton in his partner's major, so
to reopen we must be also short in Opener major in a 5431 distribution
and also consider that we will force partner to play in level 3 so we
need favorable vulnerability.
- if the bidding stopped in 2♥
the reopen with double shows 4♠
and a minor 4/5 cards and if the reopen stopped in 2♠
the double shows 4♥+
cards and a minor 4/5 cards;
- if the reopen is in 2nt this shows both minors 4/5 cards;
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass 1nt pass
2♥
pass pass ?
♠K976
♥5
♦Q10983
♣A72
=> double
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass 1nt pass
2♠
pass pass ?
♠7
♥K10985
♦K94
♣KJ94
=> double
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass 1nt pass
2♥
pass pass ?
♠KJ
♥5
♦Q10983
♣AJ972
=> 2nt
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass 1nt pass
2♠
pass pass ?
♠7
♥A94
♦K1094
♣KJ942
=> 2nt
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
j) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1nt pass pass ?
Here the reopen should use the partnership convention to reopen with 2
suits or only one long suit, penalty double do not apply because South
don’t know what to lead or what is the partner good and long suit. The
good usual conventions are:
Disturbing Opponent No Trump (DONT);
Multi Landy;
MeckWell
4) REOPENING AGAINST 2 WEAK OPEN
k) EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
2♠
pass pass ?
Considerations: First of all we should consider that Responder (West)
not support the opener denying 10 hcp and 3 cards, so we need be careful
to reopen with no good strength.
To reopen with 10-12 hcp we need be short in opener suit to avoid our
partnership be ruffed if opponents have misfit and Responder is
singleton with 12+ hcp and passed waiting for our imprudence.
- reopen with double means, in general, 2 suits 4+/4 and good support
with 3 cards in unbid major - shorter in the Opener's suit - so 11+
hcp in 5431 or 4441 distribution with good intermediates cards is the
conditions to reopen.
- with 2 weak suits 5-5+ cards and around 10 hcp we reopen using
Michaels cuebid
- with 2 strong suits 5-5+ cards and up to 4 losers we reopen using
leaping Michaels;
Note10: Of course, when we show a 5-5 distribution and partner bids our
doubleton we bid the other suit up the line then partner will know what
are our two suits.
Nota11: When we make an informative double after a weak two open and
then after partner bids a suit at level, if we cuebid this shows strong
hand (like 18+ hcp) trying to find a game contract.
Nota12: the Lebensohl convention applies only when our partner in second
position doubles the weak 2 open:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
2♠
double pass ? <= Leb may be used
but not for reopen situation
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
2♠
pass pass ? <= there is no Leb here
So, North bids are:
double => 12+ hcp and shorter in Opener's suit;
bid a suit => 10+ hcp good suit 2 top honors 6 cards;
2nt => 15-17 hcp with 1,5 stopper and all system is on;
3nt => 19+ hcp - assume partner have 6+ hcp;
3♠
=> Michaels weak distributional hand 5/6;
4♥
=> to play
4♣/4♦
=>
jump to a minor 4♣/4♦
is leaping Michaels;
4♠
=> strong 2 minors suits – keeping Michaels
-----------------------------------------------
5) AMBUSH PASS
Considering that is not possible double punitive the opponent opening
when we have strong hand with strong cards in opener’s suit, we must
pass and wait the auction goes up to a desired level for then double
penalty showing an indication of lead for partner if is the case.
When to use the Ambush Pass?
If opponent opens with 1♠
and we have all this hands below we should consider in use the Ambush
Pass:
a)
♠KJ985
♥A4
♦KQ3
♣K85
=> we should pass
b)
♠QJ9743
♥KJ3
♦AK
♣85
=> we should pass
c)
♠AQ103
♥AK85
♦QJ43
♣7
=> we should pass
and if the auction goes:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
Pass 1nt Pass
2♠
?
In this sequence double by South is penalty and partner must know that
is not a reopening for Hearts or minors.
We should not double with the follow hands
d)
♠KJ854
♥85
♦K54
♣K84
e)
♠QJ9843
♥843
♦AQ7
♣4
in hand (d) we are so weak that declarer could make the contract playing
careful against the double and in hand (e) opponent can find another
good contract in level 3 where we will have no possible double.
We can't double penalty when the auction is still open like in a 2/1 GF
even if we have strong hands like (a) or (b). We must wait until the
bidding is closed to decide if a double is feasible.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
Pass 2♣ Pass
2♠
?
In this sequence our partner have a very weak hand thus double is out of
question also a reopen showing the reds suits is out of question, so
pass is the only possible bid.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6) WHEN REOPEN WITH DOUBLE IS NOT PENALTY
DOUBLE
When Opener bid a second suit after response 1nt:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass 1nt pass
2♣
?
here double is possible with hands type:
♠AQ104
♥AQ84
♦QJ92
♣4
this is a clear double asking partner to bid an unbid suit - here double
is informative but partner with long clubs suit can pass,
When Opener rebid his suit after Responder bid a suit
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦ Pass
1♠
Pass
2♦
?
Double is informative for the others suit:
♠A5
♥QJ98
♦K3
♣KJ983
=> Double
Note13: Remember. when Opener rebids his suit after Responder bid 1nt
our double is penalty, not a reopen bid and this is a rare situation
applied in Match Point context where a score of 200 or 300 will be a
top.
7) WHEN DO NOT REOPEN
a) having a weak hand
We can't reopen without good distribution and honors in the unbid suits
even when they stop at level 1!
Opener partner Responder we
1suit pass pass ?
♠1074
♥Q754
♦Q43
♣A85
<= pass
b) having the opponents suit
A fundamental reason for pass in the reopen position is have the
opponents suit because if we reopen we show to our partner the opposite
card configuration and he can bid our shorter suit.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠ pass
pass ?
In all hands below we must pass
♠KJ1054
♥85
♦A43
♣954
pass
♠AJ103
♥A74
♦J53
♣743
pass
♠QJ643
♥AK
♦A843
♣63
pass
We know our partner is weak because he is shorter in Spades and not
overcall. If we reopen even having strength to do, we will play a bad
contract or correct opponents to a good contract.
8) REOPENING AFTER OPPONENTS FIND A FIT
The reopen after opponents find a fit is relatively more safety
because if they stop the auction in a partial score means that the 40
hcp are divided 20-20 or 21-19 or even 22-18
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
pass 1♥
Pass 2♥
pass pass ?
suggestion for reopen: West
♠K743
♥A52
♦KQ4
♣843
=> 2♠
suggestion for reopen: West
♠QJ6
♥84
♦J653
♣AQ75 =>
Double
Note14: Depend on the position of the cards NS or EW can make a contract
at level 2 but in level 3 both may down 1, so the reopen have the
intension to put opponents at level 3 and then we should not go to level
3 but try to defeat the contract.
1- case: opponents have fit in minors
Like the follow bidding:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
Pass 2♣
Pass
Pass ?
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦ Pass
2♦
Pass
Pass ?
SUIT: the reopen in a suit shows 5 weak cards and up to 10 hcp for a
passed hand:
♠J7432
♥AK2
♦8
♣J942
=> 2♠
♠Q72
♥Q10932
♦8
♣K942
=> 2♥
DOUBLE: shows be shorter in opponent suit with up to 10 hcp or have 2
suits (majors or 1major and 1 minor), so Advancer must think in what
type of hand partner have before bid and if Advancer bids 2♥
and Reopener bids 2♠
this means Reopener has Spades and the other minor.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♣
pass 2♣ pass
pass ?
♠A843
♥K743 ♦Q532
♣4
=> double
♠98543
♥KQ5 ♦K854
♣3
=> double
♠K85
♥85 ♦Q10543
♣A74
=> 2♦
♠A843
♥R4
♦AJ95
♣643
=> double
♠A854
♥R3
♦J8543
♣K4
=> double
2- case: opponents have fit is Hearts
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♥
pass pass ?
Double - shows 4 cards Spades or at least 3 cards with 2 honors.
♠AQ86
♥43
♦J854
♣K108
=> double
2NT - shows both minors 5/4.
♠74
♥63
♦AJ843
♣AJ53
=> 2nt
3- case: opponents have fit in Spades
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♠
pass 2♠ pass
pass ?
Double means 4+ cards in Hearts and a minor 2nt means both minors.
♠7
♥K743
♦AQ543
♣Q98
=> double
♠54
♥85
♦AJ543
♣AQ85
=> 2nt
9) REOPEN BY A PASSED HAND BIDDING A SUIT
When opponents stop the bidding at level 2 and your partner reopen with
a suit you must understand that partner already are taking you having
good points, so careful ... don’t think in game.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass 1♠
pass
2♠
pass pass 3♥
pass ?
Thus you should pass with any of this hands below:
♠74
♥KJ53
♦AQ64
♣743 =>
pass
♠A64
♥K54
♦A854
♣Q53 =>
pass
♠3
♥QJ85
♦Q54
♣QJ743
=> pass
10) REOPEN BY A PASSED HAND WITH DOUBLE
When partner reopen with double, after having passed, you should
try to bid first in the same level or if you had 2 suits in the up level
bid first the lower ranking suit.
Note15 - Careful to not jump if you have 5 cards and do not pass in this
type of double.
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1♦
pass pass double
Pass ?
♠KQ4
♥54
♦KJ74
♣8743 =>
2♠
partner's hand could be =>
♠A875
♥A10732
♦4
♣Q72
♠AJ854 ♥3 ♦854
♣K763
=> 2♠
partner's hand could be =>
♠K97
♥KJ104
♦42
♣Q108
11) REDOUBLE ASKING
FOR HELP
We can use redouble as a hope to find a better contract when opponents
apply a punish double after a take out double be transform in punish
double or after our overcall be punish with double.
The help redouble asks to partner bid another suit even with 3 cards.
If the redouble is done by Advancer it shows some lateral honors in the
other suits and void in Overcaller's suit.
If the redouble is done by Overcaller or Opener it asks to partner bid
other suit.
Overcaller Advancer Opener Overcaller Responder Advancer
♠K64
♠AQ873
1♥ 2♣
pass pass
♥32
♥985
double pass pass redouble*
♦65
♦D8732
pass 2♠
♣KQ10853
♣ -
* bid up the line your first 3 cards suit
Overcaller Advancer Opener Overcaller Responder Advancer
♠K86
♠J10953
1♦ 2♥
pass pass
♥QJ10643
♥
- Double pass pass redouble *
♦986
♦A43
pass 2♠
pass pass
♣4
♣QJ754
pass
* bid any black suit even with
3 cards
Overcaller Advancer Opener Overcaller Responder Advancer
♠8
♠K7643
1♠
2♣
pass pass
♥K873
♥Q652
double redouble* pass 2♥
♦Q87
♦J43 pass
pass 2nt pass
♣KJ953
♣2
3nt pass pass pass
* I can play in the reds
Note16: Even overcaller have a good suit the redoubled contract can't be
played:
Overcaller Advancer Opener Overcaller Responder Advancer
♠K8
♠AJ964
1♦
2♣
pass pass
♥1072
♥QJ954
Double pass pass redouble *
♦54
♦V87 pass
2♥
pass pass
♣AQ10863
♣
- pass * bid any major even with 3 cards
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